12 Productivity Hacks for a Work-From-Home Commute

At the onset of the pandemic, many of us made the switch to working from home full-time. Whether the transition was smooth or bumpy, more and more companies have grown comfortable being and staying remote. This year, 1 in 4 Americans will be working remotely and in a recent FlexJobs survey, 65% of respondents reported wanting to remain full-time remote employees post-pandemic.

Whether this sounds like music or mayhem, it’s clear that working from home might just be the “new normal.” If you’ve found yourself in a WFH rut, it might be helpful to look at how you are starting your workday. While it’s nice to have the convenience to roll out of bed and onto a video call, there are other ways to ensure you are getting your work done and maintaining your mental well-being.

We’re going to be discussing how to make the most of your work-from-home commute time. We’re not talking about the time it takes to walk from your bed to your desk, but rather the time you would have spent in the car or on public transit if you had to travel to your job site. 

The Importance of Repurposing Commute Time

Prior to the pandemic, the average American spent 35 minutes commuting to work every weekday. While this may seem like a trivial amount of time, it adds up to 152 hours — or 19 full workdays — every year.

Now imagine what you could get done with 19 full workdays. From task scheduling to familiarizing yourself with industry news and terminology, that’s valuable time for anyone. If you’re someone who feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, you need to be taking advantage of this time.

Just like you used to get ready for the office by brushing your teeth and getting dressed in a pristine button down or jumper, you should also prep your mindset for a great day working from home. Rather than viewing working remotely as an opportunity to slack off or work in your underwear, think of it as a way to get a head start.

To help you make the most of a work-from-home commute, we’ve compiled 12 different productivity hacks to try before you begin working.  

Taking the time to prep yourself before work has a multitude of benefits. You’ll likely see an increase in productivity as you’ve scheduled out your tasks and priorities. You may also find it easier to deal with conflicts and emotional reactivity if you started working with a solid, positive mental state. 

Before changing into your loungewear or “work-from-home outfit”, take a few minutes for productivity before each workday. This type of preparation will help you feel more confident to take on whatever comes your way. 

Sources: Washington Post | CNBC | NY Post